Three Musts For AI: Trustworthy, Timely and Tenable Data

One doesn't have to look too far for discussions about the things that will make tomorrow's organizations tick: artificial intelligence, machine learning, analytics, Internet of Things. All of it requires data, and a lot of the right kind. AI algorithms need to be trained against datasets, and the larger, the better.

Data, data, dataPhoto: Joe McKendrick

The data challenge is at the heart of a recent survey of 2,300 executives conducted by MIT Technology Review and commissioned by PureStorage, which finds widespread agreement that artificial intelligence is an essential capability. However, there is also a cloud of uncertainty around AI that needs to be cleared.

Overall, 82% of business and IT leaders believe AI will have a positive impact, while 83% believe AI is important for analytics, greater efficiency and reducing human error. At the same time, 79% say there are legal and ethical implications of AI that still need to be clarified.

There is uncertainty about handling the data that will fuel these AI systems. Eighty percent of executives are concerned about their ability to analyze data, particularly regarding data volumes, quality, and speed. AI enables organizations to move at lightening speed through processes and decisions. However, the data fueling these algorithms needs to be trustworthy, timely and tenable. Many organizations may lack the thorough governance that helps ensure these three Ts -- and therefore put themselves at risk.

The MIT-PureStorage survey also looked at additional barriers to AI adoption, including cost, infrastructure readiness, and sparse talent resources. A sizable segment, 81% agree that obtaining and analyzing more data at even greater speeds will be a

future challenge. Another 79% agree that ensuring their business is using relevant and quality data sources i s a challenge. Similarly, 78% agree that digesting, analyzing and interpreting the volume of data is a challenge.

Still, the survey;s authors observe, "such barriers don’t seem to deter respondents’ enthusiasm for AI’s game-changing potential, with the vast majority (just over 80%) believing AI will have a positive impact on their industry." That's because they see benefits of AI extend beyond increased efficiency and process enhancement, to freeing up workers to be more creative and focus strategically on customers.

I am an author, independent researcher and speaker exploring innovation, information technology trends and markets. I am also a co-author of the SOA Manifesto, which outlines the values and guiding principles of service orientation in business and IT. I served on the organ...